From what I've seen, being an OJHL starter doesn't get goalies ready for the OHL. Hunter Jones was really good in the OJHL last year (.917 save % as a true rookie), he's been awful in the OHL this year. Christian Purboo is a .921 save % guy in the OJHL, gets called up to NB and he isn't close to an OHL goalie. The difference between the OJHL and OHL is not even close and the jump from one to the other for a goalie appears to be way too much. I think being a backup in the OHL is far more valuable than being a starter in the OJHL, at least that's what most statistics would suggest
We will agree to disagree. Statistics, for goalies, isn’t really a good indicator of talent. There is a lot of separation between teams from a talent perspective. Loads of kids with crappy stats on crappy teams are better suited for the jump.
In most cases, the goalies are rushed and are expected to make that jump seemless. As well, there is much ego and hurry that can result in players wanting new situations. At least this way, a player doesn’t NEED to be a starter at 18 or even 19. They have that extra year to develop.
Also, don’t discount the value to NHL clubs being able to keep the kids in the CHL one year longer with no team penalties.
I can recount many situations in Ottawa over the years where an OA goalie that did not graduate ended up blocking another younger goalie and then that goalie wants or demands a trade. Those goalies are less likely to look for a way out as quick since the window is open longer.
The reality is since the Import rules changed and we are no longer able to draft Import goalies, the goaltending depth has not increased. It has stagnated. Keeping the players int he league an extra year is better for the fans. If this blocks a player for one year, that year can and will be made up on the back end because that player will also benefit from he advantage when he is 20.